Math Placement

Success in math courses depends on starting in a class that best matches your ability and preparation. To help in this matching, during orientation we ask each student to take a math placement exam. The grade that you earn on the placement exam, as well as your SAT scores and high school record, will help your advisor recommend an appropriate math course for you. The placement exam begins with elementary problems that most students should be able to solve, and gradually builds up to problems that will be familiar only to more advanced students. We ask that you do your best to solve as many as possible. We do not expect all students to be able to solve all problems on this exam. The placement exam gives us a snapshot of your understanding of basic math concepts and your grasp of the math skills that you will need to take our courses.

We are using the online Accuplacer exam, which is produced by the College Board.  You will not need a calculator for this exam. On problems for which a calculator may be used, a “pop-up” calculator will appear on the screen.  Remember, the goal of the exam is to increase your chances of success at Suffolk by placing you in a math course for which you have adequate preparation. Although preparation for the exam is not necessary, many students like a chance to brush up.  For information about reviewing for the Math Placement Exam, visit our website at www.suffolk.edu/college/4190.html. If you are unable to access the website, please call Jeanne Dodge at 617.973.5336 or e-mail her at dodge@mcs.suffolk.edu.  For students interested in taking the math Placement Exam prior to orientation, there will be opportunities to come to Suffolk’s campus to take the test in May.  Please keep your eye out for a separate mailing with more details.

Writing Exam

Placing you in the right English course helps to assure a positive growth experience instead of a frustrating struggle or a boring revisit to material already covered in secondary school. Our placement exams are designed to provide you and your advisor with the best options for you to satisfy these important degree requirements.  Students who need extra help may be directed to add writing workshops to their class assignments or required to enroll in a developmental English course to help them improve their reading and writing skills in a smaller class setting. No preparation is necessary for the writing assessment, which will consist of a brief reading of general interest and a prompt to guide your response. All incoming first year students must take the writing assessment. Students who have been invited to take English 103 (Advanced Freshman English) need not take the Writing Placement exam; instead, they will participate in a special session during the Writing Placement exam.